What’s Glycation and How Can You Fight It?

Between doctors, dentists, and nutritionists, we know that limiting sugar intake can help us feel healthy and vibrant. But what about your sugar and your skin? Could that perfect piece of chocolate cake cause signs of aging skin in the future?

It turns out that sugar is, in fact, a key factor in the aging process of the skin. and that’s where glycation enters. With the help of experts, we’re here to explain the definition of glycation and find out how much (or little) sugar can contribute to skin aging.

Let us begin.

What is glycation?

Glycation is a natural process in our body that occurs due to sugars, such as glucose or fructose. When there is too much sugar in the fibers of our skin, our body triggers an internal reaction.

What happens next? The sugar molecules stick to the collagen and elastin proteins in our skin. And these are the hero proteins that are responsible for keeping our skin firm and supple. When these important proteins are overwhelmed by sugar molecules, your body triggers more responses that can lead to inflammation and signs of skin aging. (1)

How does glycation cause skin aging?

The glycation process causes something called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) form on your skin And it turns out that these AGEs may play a significant role in aging skin. (2) Over time, the end products cause collagen to become stiff, which means it loses its ability to hold skin firm. As a result, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging can begin to show as the skin loses its natural structural support. (1)

Another effect of glycation? Inflammation. As the process continues, the AGEs begin to interact with other receptors in the skin. And this interaction can increase inflammation and lead to dryness or discomfort. (1)

When does glycation occur and why?

Glycation is a natural process. It usually starts around age 20 and gradually intensifies. But there are some factors that can accelerate glycation such as:

These factors can cause more AGE to form in the skin. This is the reason why the skin begins to “sag” and needs extra help to keep looking young. (1)

How can you help combat glycation?

Here’s the good news. There are steps you can take to help combat glycation and its aging effects on your skin. let’s dive in

Use specific skin care formulas

A great way to start fighting glycation? Your daily skincare routine. Supplement your regimen with ingredients like carnosine, a powerful anti-glycation agent.

How does carnosine work to combat glycation? and the formation of AGEs? By distraction: the glucose molecules responsible for the tightness of the skin stick to the carnosine instead of its collagen, which reduces the glycation process. Carnosine also acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat effects of free radicals on the skin, further slowing down the visible signs of aging. (3)

Our face contour cream was designed as a triple threat for the signs of premature skin aging – pollution exposure, fine lines and wrinkles – and with carnosine as one of the key ingredients, AGE-forming on the skin.

refine your diet

What else can you do to combat the glycation process? Studies show that glycation (and the skin effects that accompany it) can be reduced by controlling blood sugar levels. And the best way to do it: through a healthy diet and lifestyle. (1)

If you are concerned about the amount of sugar you are consuming, it is always best to consult a professional. They can advise you on dietary changes and recommend ways to reduce your sugar intake if necessary.

Use the appropriate sun protection

Sun spots, wrinkles: Many signs of skin aging can be attributed to sun exposure, also known as photoaging. And glycation is no exception. Scientists have found that AGEs (and their skin-aging effects) accumulate in sun-exposed skin.

Our favorite reminder to help protect your skin? Use broad spectrum sunscreen every day. Proper sun protection can help delay the signs of skin aging and, more importantly, help protect against skin cancer.

And above all, love your skin, take care of it and protect it, always.

Sources:
1 Ichihashi, M., Yagi, M., Nomoto, K. & Yonei, Y. (2011). Glycation stress and photoaging on the skin. Anti Aging Medicine, 8(3), 23–29. https://doi.org/10.3793/jaam.8.23

2 Gkogkolou, P., Böhm, M. Advanced glycation end products: key players in skin aging? In Dermatoendocrinology (2012); 4(3): 259-270.

3 Ghodsi, R. and Kheirouri, S. (2018). Carnosine and advanced glycation end products: a systematic review. Amino acids, fifty(9), 1177–1186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-018-2592-9